We all have fond memories of parents reading and re-reading our favourite bedtime tales to us. Somehow, we all felt a connection with these stories, as if they were happening right in front of our eyes. This was because reading aloud made it possible for us to think about what lies ahead in the story. But the positive impact of reading out loud goes well beyond the simple pleasures of just reading stories.
So, what is reading aloud, and how does it benefit kids? Reading aloud is an instructional practice where texts are read aloud to children or read aloud by children. When these texts are read alouds for preschoolers, they soak up massive social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Reading aloud benefits children not just academically, but behaviourally as well.
Continue reading to learn about the benefits of reading aloud for children.
Positive Benefits Of Reading Aloud For Children Of All Ages
We all know and understand the benefits of learning to read quietly and independently. But do you know that reading aloud also has some amazing benefits?
The points below will take you through some of the key benefits of reading aloud for children. From enhanced literary skills to a stronger bond between you and your child, there’s no doubt you’ll want to make your little one read aloud and make it a part of their daily routine.
Let’s read about the advantages of reading aloud for children:
1. Increased Attention Span
When children start reading aloud, they pay attention to what is written and concentrate on the words in the given text, trying to comprehend their meaning. This helps increase their overall attention span.
2. Stronger Vocabulary
Children acquire language skills primarily through listening and reading. Reading aloud allows children to come across new words, which builds their vocabulary.
3. Increased Comprehension
Reading aloud gives children a better chance of internalising and understanding the words. It makes them feel more active than reading alone, which may make it easier for children to ingest the information read.
4. Fluency
Fluency is essential in language. Reading aloud can help children read fluently as it is a great way to identify problems with fluency. Children can encounter challenges like word recognition or inflexion while reading aloud, and we can help them on the spot to improve their skills.
5. Practising Phonics
Phonics is all about teaching reading and writing using sound and the alphabet. When a child reads aloud, it gives us a chance to hear if the child has been able to understand the method of identifying the sounds and correlating them so they can read.
6. Stronger Imagination
While reading aloud, children visualise the story’s events in their minds. Reading stories help children to experience events and situations that are outside of their own personal experiences.
7. Exploring Emotions
Reading aloud can help children explore particular emotions and accept their own feelings and understand how others feel.
8. Motivation To Read
When a child is interested in what they are reading, they will be motivated to read and build a love for reading. Reading aloud can motivate children to read more as they play with the pitches and tones.
9. Independence
Once your child starts reading aloud, they will become more confident about reading and picking up lengthy storybooks. They will no longer need you to tell them to practise reading, but will choose to read for enjoyment.
10. Bonding
When children read aloud to their parents and siblings, they share the adventure and emotions without leaving their living room.
Now that you know why reading aloud is important, let’s look at tips for reading aloud for kids.
10 Tips For Reading Aloud With Kids
Reading aloud is one of the best things you can teach your child. Seeing their twinkling eyes when they read their favourite stories is so adorable. But reading aloud is a skill that must be taught to kids.
Make reading aloud a pleasurable time for your kids and set them up for lifelong readership with the help of the following tips.
1. Read Everything
Encourage your little one to read all kinds of reading material, including books, picture books, newspapers, magazines, comics, e-books, etc. But make sure whatever they are reading is age-appropriate.
2. Reading Space
Make sure your child has a comfortable, cosy, and quiet reading space so that they can concentrate while reading aloud. You can set up a mini library for your child at home.
3. Read & Understand
Make your child understand that you don’t have to read aloud just for the sake of reading, but also understand the meaning of what is written on the pages.
4. Reading Is Not A Chore
If you have to make your child sit down to read, make them understand that they need not finish the book/text in one sitting. It’s not a chore to be completed, but reading is done in order to gain knowledge and experience.
5. Routine Reading
Set a fixed time for your child to read. Make sure that they are not doing something else or that their attention is not diverted when they sit down to read.
6. Make It Fun
Before giving a book to your child to read, build up excitement for them to read it. You can explain the initial plot and ask them to read the book to know what happens next or how the story unfolds.
7. Set An Example
Children tend to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Therefore, let your child see you reading aloud and enjoying reading time.
8. Allow Re-reading
There is no harm if your child wants to keep reading one of their favourite books, as long as they enjoy reading it aloud.
9. Eliminate Distractions
Even if you don’t have a separate reading space at home, it is recommended to eliminate avoidable distractions, like smartphones, TV, laptop, or music being played in the background.
10. Define Difficult Words
When your child is reading aloud, and you hear them getting stuck and unable to pronounce a word or understand the meaning of the word, help them out.
Also Read:
Picture Books for Children to Develop Reading Skills
Vocabulary Words for Kids to Improve Language Skills
Learn Words that Start with Wh for Children to Build Vocabulary
